Reinstalling Windows 8.1

Soldato
Joined
20 Nov 2009
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Just wondering about something. I'm aware you install using a place holder key and then enter your key after having installed Windows. In the event there is no key sticker on the machine then I understand it's stored in the BIOS. In this case how does one install? Do you still need to use a place holder key or what?

Thanks!
 
So even if the key is stored in the BIOS it must be retrieved prior to a reinstall? I can see this being an issue on a non booting machine with no license key sticker mind.
 
Had this issue on a mates laptop recently.

I found a windows 8 x64 OEM ISO and installed this. Not sure if a 8.1 ISO would work so I played it safe with windows 8 as that is what it came with.

Windows located the key from the bios. I believe the bios needs to be setup for UEFI though.

Made a note of the key for the future
 
Download a windows 8.1 ISO, write to DVD, then put it in your drive, then hit settings/PC settings/update and recovery/recovery/remove everything and reinstall windows.
Job done, did this yesterday!
You do get options to save files along the way, but I have other drives for this so I did a complete reinstall.
Edit, I am using 8.1 pro, not sure if its the same as standard.
 
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